Pirelli trials 2016 prototype tyres

Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli says it was able to trial some new materials during the post-race test in Austria, which may be used in 2016.

Mercedes, Ferrari and Toro Rosso aided Pirelli's development across the duration of the test as they undertook selected running of front and rear prototype tyres.

The tyres included similar characteristics to the current range but had slightly different materials within them.

"It was a slightly frustrating beginning to the test in Austria, with rain wiping out the opening morning," Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said.

"However, some solid work was carried out from Tuesday afternoon onwards, with even some occasional glimpses of sunshine on Wednesday.

"Many thanks to Ferrari, Mercedes and Toro Rosso, which volunteered to help us test some new materials for the 2016 season, now that there are no longer any official in-season dedicated tyre test days.

"The results we obtained will be very useful as we continue the development of our next generation of tyres."